As any dog lover and dog owner knows, older dogs require more time, attention, and care than younger dogs. As dogs age, they go through physical changes that we should deal with. It is important to give seniors 
dog the best care and quality of life it needs.
A dog’s age often depends on its breed. Large breeds tend to age faster than smaller breeds, but in general, most dogs become senile between the ages of 5-10. At this stage, owners should take their older dogs to the vet or a canine rehabilitation specialist regularly to address the physical changes they are going through.
Older dogs experience several signs of aging, such as:
- behavior change,
- age-related illness,
- periodontal disease such as tooth and gum infections,
- vision problems,
- changes in weight and eating patterns,
- deterioration or loss of senses,
- uncontrollable,
- osteoarthritis, and
- common problems.
These physical changes can be difficult for your beloved pet. Your older dogs will have special needs such as a different diet, more frequent visits to your veterinarian and canine rehabilitation specialist, and an established exercise routine. modified or less active, among others.
5 ways to keep your older dog healthy
To help your older dog weather the challenges of aging, here are five healthy habits you can do to further care for our older dog.
1. Canine Restoration
While regular vet visits are a must, you should also take your older dog to the vet. dog rehabilitation specialist. Canine rehabilitation specialists are trained to relieve pain, accelerate recovery, restore body tissues, and increase joint and muscle mobility in dogs through the use of physical techniques. therapy.
Your older dog is prone to injuries and illnesses that can be debilitating. Through the help of a canine rehabilitation professional, you can help maximize your quality of life while extending your pet’s lifespan.
2. Give your senior dog the right diet
As dogs age, food needs change. Older dogs with constipation, dental problems, loss of muscle mass, and other conditions may need a different diet. In addition, because older dogs are less active and often sedentary, they are prone to obesity. Feed your dog foods that are higher in fiber and easier to digest.
Make sure to feed your elderly dogs low calorie food to control their weight. As older dogs begin to lose muscle, make sure you increase their protein intake. For older dogs with heart problems, feed them a low-sodium diet.
3. Regular vet visits
Since your senior dog is now inclined Common dog diseases and illnesses, Regular vet visits are essential. Take your older dog to the vet from time to time for urinalysis, blood tests, and other routine health checks. This way you can Find out if your dog needs medical attention even before external symptoms manifest.
Through early detection, you have a better chance of getting treatment. For injuries, most veterinarians work with a canine rehabilitation specialist to perform physical therapy on your injured elderly dog.
4. Maintain good oral health
Good oral health is an important factor in extending your dog’s life. Poor oral hygiene can lead to many problems, such as plaque buildup, tartar, and tooth decay. In addition to infection, dental problems can lead to serious problems affecting a dog’s major organs.
Some symptoms of dental problems to watch out for are:
- Drooling
- Halitosis
- Swollen gums
- Behavior change
- Crust accumulates on teeth
- Losing weight
To talk to your superiors Dental hygiene for dogs, start with regular brushing. While cleaning, keep an eye out for broken teeth or swollen gums. Give your dog chewable gum that they can chew periodically. It can help stimulate gums and clean teeth. Take your dog in for regular dental check-ups to catch potential problems early.
5. Brush them regularly
Grooming your older dog can be a challenge as older dogs tend to be more sensitive and easily irritated. Here are some tools that you will need to groom your dog.
- Towel
- Slippers
- Shampoo
- Drawing pen
- Nail scissors
- Ear cleaning tools
When brushing your dog’s coat, be very gentle and careful as larger dogs are easily startled. Be careful when bathing your dog and carefully move its limbs. Keep your dog warm after bathing.
Don’t forget to clean and check your dog’s ears every day. In addition, you should cut the dog’s nails short and trim the hair around the legs when necessary.
Show your love for your older dog by following these tips. With these five habits, you can enhance the quality of your older dogs’ lives and give them more comfort and love into their golden years.
Author:
John Green has a deep experience in the veterinary field with many years of experience. Now he handles content at Pet Health Hospital. In fact, John is very dedicated to sharing important information about pets with most pet parents across the United States. Sure, John loves and adores animals, and owns two dogs, Marty and Lou.
